Ex-Chelsea man comes to Hastings

Hastings United have brought in Steve Watt as a player/assistant manager

Steve Watt, who was with the Blues from 2002-6 (the first two years as a youth team player), has been named as a player/assistant manager at United.

Born in Aberdeen, Watt began his career with Chelsea, making his debut against Scunthorpe United in the FA Cup in January 2005. He played the full 90 minutes and earned praise from José Mourinho for his performance.

In May of the same year, Watt made his Premier League debut as an 89th minute substitute away to Newcastle United, playing alongside the likes of Frank Lampard, Ricardo Carvalho, Claude Makélélé, Joe Cole and Eidur Gudjohnsen.

The 31-year-old defender then spent a couple of years at Swansea City and later had a similar stint at Ross County, for whom he made his debut in the Challenge Cup final against Airdrie United in November 2008.

Spells at Grimsby Town and Dover Athletic followed before Watt made 89 appearances for Maidstone United from 2013-2015. He was a player/assistant manager at Leatherhead from December until stepping down this week.

Hare has also brought in Harrison Grant as strength and conditioning coach.

Grant has an extensive academic background in sport and football. He started coaching as a development and community lead coach for Ebbsfleet United, and went on coach at the Arsenal Advance Centre.

* Hastings United Supporters’ Club will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday July 5 in The Pilot Field clubhouse, starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend, but only current paid-up club members will be eligible to vote on committee matters.

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